Communications and Media Relations

The American Society of the University of Haifa (ASUH) held a farewell reception, hosted by Chairman of the Board of Governors, Leon H. Charney, and Tzili Charney, for Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze’ev, who stepped down as President of the University of Haifa after eight years at its helm. To mark the occasion, ASUH debuted a video highlighting the establishment of Israel’s national Center for Mediterranean Sea Research - a consortium that is headed by the University of Haifa, and inaugurated the Aaron Ben-Ze’ev Scholarship Fund.In his remarks, Prof. Ben-Ze’ev said, “Leon Charney helped us to fulfill a great dream - the Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences. We owe it to Leon that the University won the government bid to oversee a national consortium in which all Israeli universities will be participating.”

“I am proud to have partnered with Aaron over the last eight years to build one of the best universities in Israel, said Leon Charney. “The Marine Sciences School that we built is structured in such a way that the best marine scientists in the world are coming to Israel to participate in our program.”

The reception also drew a long list of distinguished business leaders, government officials and celebrities. Among the guests were: Alan C. Greenberg, former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Bear Stearns; iconic T.V. and radio personality, Joe Franklin; Dr. Jacob Frenkel, former commissioner of the Bank of Israel and Vice-Chair of Morgan Stanley; Dr. Riva Slifka, a neuroscientist and child therapist; and Israeli Consul General, Ido Aharoni.

“I am not surprised at the remarkable number of notable friends and supporters who turned out to honor Prof. Ben Ze’ev,” said Yefet Ozery, National Executive Director of ASUH, who served as MC. “Because of his outstanding vision and leadership, the University has undergone remarkable growth and he has acquired many friends around the world.”

Mr. Ozery brought incoming President Amos Shapira’s greetings and acknowledged the close partnership with Vice President Amos Gaver in planning the reception and conceiving the Ben-Ze’ev Scholarship Fund.

Aaron Ben-Ze’ev, a Professor of Philosophy, is considered one of the world’s leading experts in the study of emotions. He established the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Emotions at the University and is the author of several books and countless articles on this and other subjects.

Although unable to be at the event, Dr. Alfred Tauber of Boston University School of Medicine wrote in a special message that was read by Dr. Riva Slifka: “Aaron is a philosopher . . . and is one of those special people who has been able to bridge the arcane world of philosophy for something larger.”

Prof. Ben-Ze’ev is succeeded by Amos Shapira as President. Shapira is one of Israel’s leading business figures. He was CEO of Cellcom, Israel’s leading cellular company, and prior to that was CEO of El Al Israel Airlines.

The American Society of the University of Haifa (www.asuh.org) helps ensure the continued excellence of the educational, research, and community activities of the University of Haifa by serving as a vital connection between the University and its many friends in the United States.

The University of Haifa is the most pluralistic institution of higher education in Israel, dedicated to academic excellence and social responsibility.

Photo: Chairman of the Board of Governers, Mr. Leon H. Charney (left), bids farewell to outgoing University of Haifa President Prof. Aaron Ben-Ze’ev.